Piracetam

General information

Piracetam is a so-called “nootropic” drug, one of a class of drugs that affect mental function [ ]. In healthy volunteers it improves the higher functions of the brain involved in cognitive processes, such as learning and memory. Its mechanisms of action are not known but may include increased cholinergic neurotransmission. It has been used to improve cognitive function in a variety of circumstances, with variable success [ ].

Piracetam has been used to treat fetal distress during labor, but there is insufficient evidence to assess its efficacy [ , ]. It has been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes in combination with lecithin, but without major beneficial effects [ ], beyond a slight increase in alertness [ ]. It has also been used to treat breath-holding spells [ ]. There is insufficient evidence to support its use in preventing painful sickle cell disease crises [ ].

Drug studies